Category: Economy

MIL-OSI: Talonvest Negotiates $22.1M in Insurance Company Loans for WA and FL Properties

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEWPORT BEACH, CA., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talonvest Capital, Inc. is proud to announce two recent closings for Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc., a publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of our long-term client, SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. The first is a $13,000,000 non-recourse bridge loan for the refinance of a facility located at 16600 SE 18^th Street in Vancouver, WA. The asset, built in 2020, has approximately 99,800 NRSF and 1,100 units, 97% of which are climate-controlled. Talonvest also negotiated a $9,120,000 loan for an approximately 64,400 NRSF facility located at 6424 14^th Street West in Bradenton, FL with 800 total units. Both loans provided the client with 5-year fixed-rate financing with two years of interest-only payments.

Talonvest has closed 40 deals with the insurance company that funded these loans which featured a step-down prepayment penalty and no ongoing leasing covenants. H. Michael Schwartz, President and CEO of Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. shared, “Collaborating with Talonvest continues to be a positive experience for us. They delivered a seamless, efficient process from start to finish and always impress us with their expertise in the capital markets.” The Talonvest team responsible for these assignments included Britt Taylor, Eric Snyder, Ivan Viramontes, and Lauren Maehler.

About Talonvest Capital Inc.

Talonvest Capital is a commercial real estate advisory firm specializing in sourcing cutting-edge lending programs and advising on capital market trends for industrial, self-storage, multifamily, office, and retail property owners. Talonvest Capital offers a unique boutique approach by leveraging the company’s collective institutional knowledge and remaining highly engaged throughout the entire assignment, including the closing process, to deliver tailored capital solutions for their clients. Learn more at https://talonvest.com.

Vancouver, WA

Bradenton, FL

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d24d5073-15b3-410c-a177-552ba7cc8703
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e071f2b6-e82f-4932-89a9-893137a3168b

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: From Doing Business to B-READY: World Bank’s new rankings represent a rebrand, not a revamp

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Fernanda G Nicola, Professor of Law, American University

The 2025 spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund takes place in Washington, D.C. Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

In 2021, the World Bank shut down one of its flagship projects: the Doing Business index, a global ranking system that measured how easy it was to start and run a business in 190 countries.

It followed an independent investigation that found World Bank officials had manipulated the rankings to favor powerful countries, including China and Saudi Arabia. The scandal raised serious concerns about the use of global benchmarks to shape development policy.

Now, the Bank is trying again. In October 2024, it launched its newest flagship report, Business Ready. The 2025 spring meeting of the World Bank and its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund, mark the first time the report will be formally presented to delegates as part of the institutions’ high-level agenda.

Nicknamed B-READY, the report aims to evaluate business environments through more transparent data. This time, the annual assessment has a broader ambition: to go beyond laws and efficiency and also measure social inclusion, environmental sustainability and public service delivery.

As experts on international organizations, law and development, we have given B-READY a closer look. While we appreciate that a global assessment of the economic health of countries through data collection and participation of private stakeholders is a worthwhile endeavor, we worry that the World Bank’s latest effort risks recreating many of the same flaws that plagued its predecessor.

From Doing Business to doing what?

To understand what’s at stake, it’s worth recalling what the Doing Business index measured. From 2003 to 2021, the flagship report was used by governments, investors and World Bank officials alike to assess the business environment of any given country. It ranked countries based on how easy it was to start and run a business in 190 economies.

In prioritizing that as its marker, the index often celebrated reforms that stripped away labor protections, environmental safeguards and corporate taxes in the name of greater “efficiency” of common law versus civil law jurisdictions.

As economist Joseph E. Stiglitz argued in 2021, from its creation, the Doing Business index reflected the values of the so-called Washington Consensus − a development model rooted in deregulation, privatization and market liberalization.

The World Bank building in Washington, D.C.
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Critics warned for years that the Doing Business index encouraged a global “race to the bottom.” Countries competed to improve their rankings, often by adopting symbolic legal reforms with little real impact.

In some cases, internal data manipulation at the World Bank penalized governments that did not appear sufficiently business-friendly. These structural flaws − and the political pressures behind them − ultimately led to the project’s demise in 2021.

What is B-READY?

B-READY is the World Bank’s attempt to regain credibility after the Doing Business scandal. In recent years, there has been both internal and external pressure to create a successor − and B-READY responds to that demand while aiming to fix the methodological flaws.

In theory, while it retains a focus on the business environment, B-READY shifts away from a narrow deregulatory logic and instead seeks to capture how regulations interact with infrastructure, services and equity considerations.

B-READY, which in the pilot stage covers a mix of 50 countries, does not rank countries with a single score. Rather, it provides more accurate data across 10 topics grouped into three pillars: regulatory framework, public services and operational efficiency. The report also introduces new themes such as digital access, environmental sustainability and gender equity.

Unlike the Doing Business index, B-READY publishes its full methodology and makes its data publicly available.

On the surface, this looks like progress. But a criticism of B-READY is that in practice, the changes offer only a more fragmented ranking system — one that is harder to interpret and still shaped by the same investor driven macroeconomic assumptions.

In our view, the framework continues to reflect a narrow view of what constitutes a healthy legal and economic system, not just for investors but for society as a whole.

Labor flexibility over labor rights

A key concern is how B-READY handles labor standards. The report relies on two main data sources: expert consultations and firm-level surveys.

For assessing labor and social security regulations, the World Bank consults lawyers with expertise in each country. But when it comes to how these laws function in practice, the report relies on surveys that ask businesses whether labor costs, dismissal protections and public services are “burdens.”

This approach captures the employer’s perspective, but leaves out workers’ experiences and the real impact on labor rights. In some cases, the scoring system even rewards weaker protections. For example, countries are encouraged to have a minimum-wage law on the books − but are penalized if the wage is “too high” relative to gross domestic product per capita. This creates pressure to keep wages low in order to appear competitive. And while that might be good news for international companies seeking to reduce their labor costs, it isn’t necessarily good for the local workforce or a country’s economic well-being.

According to the International Trade Union Confederation, this approach risks encouraging symbolic reforms while doing little to protect workers. Georgia, for example, ranks near the top of the B-READY labor assessment, despite not having updated its minimum wage since 1999 and setting it below the subsistence level.

Courts that work − for whom?

Another troubling area, to us as comparative law experts, is how B-READY evaluates legal issues. It measures how quickly commercial courts resolve disputes but ignores judicial independence or respect for the rule of law. As a result, countries such as Hungary and Georgia, which have been widely criticized for democratic backsliding and the erosion of the rule of law, score surprisingly high. Not coincidentally, both governments have already used these scores for propaganda and political gain.

This reflects a deeper problem, we believe. B-READY treats the legal system primarily as a means to attract investment, not as a framework for public accountability. It assumes that making life easier for businesses will automatically benefit everyone. But that assumption risks ignoring the people most affected by these laws and institutions − workers, communities and civil society groups.

Be … better?

B-READY introduces greater transparency and public data − and that, for sure, is a step up from its predecessor. But in our opinion it still reflects a narrow view of what a “good” legal system looks like: one that might deliver efficiency for firms but not necessarily justice or equity for society.

Whether B-Ready becomes a tool for meaningful reform − or just another scoreboard for deregulation − will depend on the World Bank’s willingness to confront its long-standing biases and listen to its critics.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. From Doing Business to B-READY: World Bank’s new rankings represent a rebrand, not a revamp – https://theconversation.com/from-doing-business-to-b-ready-world-banks-new-rankings-represent-a-rebrand-not-a-revamp-254958

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hawaii Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Three Adult Women and One Minor

Source: US State of North Dakota

Isaiah McCoy, 38, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was convicted yesterday of multiple counts of sex trafficking by a federal jury in the District of Hawaii. Specifically, the jury convicted McCoy of four counts of sex trafficking three adults and one minor, two counts of obstructing a sex trafficking investigation, seven counts of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and one count of interstate travel for prostitution purposes.

“This successful conviction represents this Justice Department’s commitment to putting those who prey on the innocent behind bars,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Human trafficking — which flourished under the prior administration — is a scourge on our country that the Trump Administration will eradicate.”

“Today’s conviction vindicates the rights of multiple women and girls who the defendant terrorized over several years within the District of Hawaii,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted each victim’s unique vulnerabilities and used false promises, brute physical force, and psychological manipulation to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex for his own profit. There is no place in a civilized society for the defendant’s atrocious conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to standing up for vulnerable human trafficking victims and holding their traffickers accountable.”

“The conviction of Mr. McCoy is a testament to HSI’s zero tolerance for those who engage in sex trafficking in Hawaii,” said Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Hawaii. “McCoy is a predator who left countless victims in his path while he sought to enrich himself at their expense. HSI will aggressively pursue those, like McCoy, who seek to exploit vulnerable women and girls and mute their voices while believing they will not be held accountable.”

The evidence presented at the 12-day trial demonstrated that McCoy compelled victims to commit hundreds of commercial sex acts between 2019 and 2021. McCoy made promises of a romantic relationship, a luxurious lifestyle, and financial security to women and girls struggling with low self-esteem, a difficult upbringing, or financial trouble. McCoy’s promises ended up hollow and false, designed to provide him with the opportunity to learn about a victim’s vulnerabilities while misrepresenting himself as caring and empathetic. McCoy’s feigned romantic interest and claimed wealth led him to emotionally manipulate his victims.

After luring the victims into his orbit with his false promises, McCoy turned violent and abusive if the victims did not provide him with enough money or otherwise violated one of his many rules. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that some of McCoy’s rules included requiring the victims to call him “Daddy” or “Zeus,” requiring the victims to share their cell phone location, and requiring the victims to provide him an update on the amount of money earned through commercial sex work. McCoy required his victims to work all hours of the day and night even when they were sick, hungry, or did not want to engage in commercial sex acts. If not, McCoy would physically assault his victims and leave them battered and bruised.

Evidence presented in court detailed the extensive violence to which McCoy subjected his victims. For example, McCoy repeatedly burned one of the victims with cigar butts when she did not provide him with enough money. On other occasions, McCoy threw victims to the ground before repeatedly stomping on their head, stomach, or hands with his feet. McCoy even smashed a victim’s head against a car door before carrying her unconscious body through a hotel lobby and into an elevator. McCoy inflicted violence against multiple victims that caused them to seek treatment at local hospitals. All of McCoy’s actions contributed to the creation of a climate of fear where the victims felt they had no way out because McCoy promised them that he had eyes and ears everywhere monitoring the victims’ every move.

McCoy required the victims to turn over all the proceeds from his commercial sex business to himself because he felt that the money belonged to him. McCoy then spent the money on high-end designer shoes, belts, clothing, and other accessories. In contrast, although McCoy would intermittently buy designer items for the victims as “rewards,” the victims were ultimately left with nothing.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18. McCoy faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

HSI investigated the case, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.

Trial Attorneys Maryam Zhuravitsky and Elizabeth Hutson of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: XA Investments Finds Strong Start to 2025 in Fund Launches and Asset Gathering Among Non-Listed Closed End Funds in its First Quarter 2025 Market Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XA Investments LLC (“XAI”), an alternative investment management and consulting firm, announced today that its Non-Listed Closed-End Funds First Quarter 2025 Market Update shows a strong start to 2025 in both fund launches and asset gathering. The market update is a comprehensive research report detailing current market trends and industry highlights. The non-listed closed-end fund (CEF) market includes all interval and tender offer funds. The report introduces the XAI Interval Fund Index™ (INTVL), analyzes recent developments in co-investment relief, and reviews 2024 net flows across the market.

“The non-listed CEF market continues to grow after a record year in 2024, with many sponsors launching a second fund and new sponsors entering the market” stated Kimberly Flynn, the president of XAI. “Such robust growth is great for the interval / tender offer fund market. We believe the market’s trajectory will remain positive, with significant opportunities for expansion throughout the rest of the year,” she added.

XAI recently launched their XAI Interval Fund Index™ (INTVL), a total return index that tracks the interval fund market, helping to address the lack of easily accessible information on the market. “The XAI Interval Fund Index gives asset managers and financial advisors an unprecedented level of clarity in a market that has been notoriously difficult to track,” Flynn noted. “The first index tracking the interval and tender offer fund market, INTVL serves as the sole barometer for the market, giving investors a snapshot of how interval funds as a whole are performing,” Flynn added.

The non-listed CEF market reached a new peak with 270 interval and tender offer funds with a total of $181 billion in net assets and $220 billion in total managed assets, inclusive of leverage, as of March 31, 2025. The market includes 134 interval funds which comprise 50% of the total managed assets at $132.1 billion and 136 tender offer funds which comprise the other 50% with $88.3 billion in total managed assets. This is a significant change from previous quarters, as the number of interval funds has caught up to the total number of tender funds. In Q1 2025, 14 new funds entered the market, representing an increase of four funds compared to the 10 funds launched in Q1 2024. Market-wide net assets increased $9 billion in Q1 2025 from the prior quarter.

In total, there are 143 unique fund sponsors in the interval and tender offer fund space, with 50 fund sponsors that have two or more interval and/or tender offer funds currently in the market. Additionally, there are 27 funds currently in the Securities and Exchange Commission registration process from fund sponsors looking to launch another fund. Notably, the top 20 funds decreased their market share from 65% Q4 2024, to 60% in Q1 2025, displaying the growth of new funds in the market. Among the new funds launched in Q1 2025, there were three new interval fund sponsors, HarbourVest, Gemcorp and Pop Venture Advisers.

In this quarterly report, XAI covers the 2024-year end net flows which are lagged by reporting cycles. In 2024 funds had positive net flows, totaling over $38 billion, with 67% of funds reporting positive net flows. The majority of net flows in 2024 (53%) went into daily NAV funds without suitability restrictions, while 26% went into funds limited to accredited investors, and 21% went into funds limited to qualified clients. In aggregate, the top 20 largest interval/tender offer funds experienced an increase in net flows year-over-year from 2023 to 2024 including many of the market leaders such as the Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund, Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC, and ACAP Strategic Fund. In addition, Private Credit funds continued to dominate capital raising in 2024, bringing in over $20 billion in net assets, with Venture / Private Equity funds coming in second, bringing in over $11 billion in net assets.

“The non-listed CEF market continues to grow with a total of 58 funds in the SEC registration process at the end of the first quarter,” said Flynn. “The SEC backlog increased by five funds from the end of 2024 to the end of Q1 2025. So far in 2025, there have been 23 new SEC filings, compared to 15 new filings from Q1 2024, representing a 53% increase in registrations. Newly launched non-listed CEFs spent around seven months in the SEC registration process, with the fund’s asset class continuing to be the main driver of time spent in the SEC review process. Tax-Free Bond funds were the quickest to launch, at 160 days on average spent in registration,” she added.

At 49%, the majority of interval and tender offer funds do not have any suitability restrictions for investors imposed at the fund level — 30% of funds are available to accredited investors and 21% are only available to qualified clients. Alternative funds without suitability restrictions also prove to be more accessible and have gathered more assets at $118.2 billion in managed assets or 54% of market-wide assets.

For more information on the interval fund market and to read our full quarterly report on non-listed CEFs, please visit the CEF Market research page linked here and click ‘Subscribe’ for access to XA Investments’ online research portal and pricing information. In addition, please contact info@xainvestments.com or 888-903-3358 with questions.

About XA Investments
XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in 2016. XAI serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and an interval closed-end fund, respectively the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust, the XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund, and the Octagon XAI CLO Income Fund. In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including product development and market research, marketing and fund management. XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: BitMart Announces Leadership Transition: Sheldon Xia to Group President, Nenter Chow Appointed Global CEO

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Mahe, Seychelles, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BitMart, a leading global digital asset trading platform, today announced a strategic leadership transition. Founder Sheldon Xia will assume the role of Group President, effective immediately, while Nenter (Nathan) Chow has been appointed as the company’s new Global CEO. This change positions BitMart for its next phase of growth and innovation in 2025.

In his new capacity as Group President, Sheldon Xia will focus on BitMart’s long-term strategy, product innovation, and continued enhancement of platform security. “As BitMart enters its next chapter, I look forward to concentrating on our long-term vision, accelerating innovation, and ensuring our platform’s security remains paramount,” said Xia. “This transition allows me to devote my energy to strategic initiatives and product breakthroughs while entrusting our day-to-day leadership to Nenter.” Xia, who founded BitMart in 2017, will remain closely involved in guiding the company’s direction and upholding its commitment to a user-first, secure trading experience.

Nenter Chow brings a unique blend of Web3 and traditional finance expertise to his new role as Global CEO. As a former Partner at Animoca Ventures, Chow led investments in notable blockchain projects such as Monad, The Open Network (TON), Berachain, and Titan Content. Prior to his work in the Web3 space, he amassed over 17 years of experience in investment banking at institutions including JP Morgan, MUFG, and ICBC. Chow has extensive cross-border experience bridging Eastern and Western markets, having been involved in initiatives like Digital Dubai’s Web3 investor workshops and the SuiHub accelerator program in the Middle East. This diverse background positions him well to expand BitMart’s global reach and foster innovation across different regions.

With this leadership change, BitMart also reaffirmed its strategic roadmap for 2025. The company is expanding into high-potential emerging markets (such as MENA and Latin America), scaling up its suite of AI-powered trading tools and analytics features, strengthening its institutional service offerings, and enhancing the overall Web3 user experience on its platform. BitMart aims to serve as a gateway to Web3, bridging today’s crypto economy with tomorrow’s decentralized future. These initiatives underscore BitMart’s commitment to making crypto trading more accessible, intelligent, and secure for a global user base.

“I am honored to lead BitMart at this pivotal time for the industry,” said Nenter Chow, BitMart’s incoming Global CEO. “Under Sheldon’s leadership, BitMart has grown into a world-class platform with a vibrant community. I intend to build on this strong foundation by accelerating our growth in key markets and leveraging emerging technologies like AI to better serve our users. We will continue to enhance our offerings for both retail and institutional clients, and bridge communities across the East and West to solidify BitMart as the premier gateway to the Web3 world. I’m excited to work with the team as we execute our 2025 roadmap and beyond.”

About BitMart
BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

Disclaimer:
Use of BitMart services is entirely at your own risk. All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice.

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: SBM Offshore starts EUR141 million share repurchase following successful completion of the 2024 program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Amsterdam, April 23, 2025

SBM Offshore announces the completion of its EUR130 million share repurchase program initiated in 2024, and the commencement of a EUR141 million (US$150 million equivalent¹) share repurchase program, as announced on February 20, 2025 and effective from April 24, 2025.

EUR141 million share repurchase program

The objective of the EUR141 million share repurchase program is to reduce share capital and, in addition, to provide shares for regular management and employee share programs (maximum US$25 million). The remainder of the repurchased shares will be cancelled. The share repurchase program is expected to be completed by February 26, 2026 and will be executed under the authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting of the Company on April 9, 2025.

The share repurchase program will be executed under the terms of an engagement letter with a third party, performed in compliance with the safe harbor provisions for share repurchases, and therefore transactions may be carried out during closed periods.

In accordance with the European Market Abuse Regulation, the Company will inform the market of the progress made in the execution of this program through weekly press releases and updates on its website.

Completion of the EUR130 million program started in 2024

From March 1, 2024 to April 23, 2025 a total of 7,978,332 shares were repurchased, at an average price of EUR16.29 per share, representing a total of EUR130 million. Detailed information on the aggregate transactions (calculated on a daily basis) for the period in which the program was executed can be found in the table below. Further details about individual transactions can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

The repurchases were made under the EUR65 million share repurchase program announced on February 29, 2024, effective from March 1, 2024 which was later increased by EUR65 million as announced on and effective from August 8, 2024. The objective of the program was to reduce share capital and, in addition, to provide shares for regular management and employee share programs.

Final Period 2024 Share Repurchase Program Transaction Details

SBM Offshore reports the transaction details related to the repurchases under the program for the period April 17, 2025 through April 23, 2025 in the bottom half of the table below.

2024 Share Repurchase Program

Overall progress Share Repurchase Program:

Total Repurchase Amount			EUR 130,000,000
Cumulative Repurchase Amount			EUR 129,999,982
Cumulative Quantity Repurchased			7,978,332
Cumulative Average Repurchase Price			EUR 16.29
Start Date			March 1, 2024
End Date			April 23, 2025
Percentage of program completed as of April 23, 2025			100%

Overview of details of last 5 trading days:

Trade Update	Quantity Repurchased	Average Purchase Price	Settlement Amount
April 17, 2025	46,550	EUR 17.11	EUR 796,675
April 18, 2025	Stock markets are closed
April 21, 2025	Stock markets are closed
April 22, 2025	46,700	EUR 17.12	EUR 799,555
April 23, 2025	43,125	EUR 17.46	EUR 753,113
Total¹	136,375	EUR 17.23	EUR 2,349,344

¹All shares purchased via Euronext Amsterdam, CBOE DXE and or Turquoise

The table above contains information which is to be made publicly available under the Market Abuse Regulation (nr. 596/2014). The information concerns a regular update of the transactions conducted under SBM Offshore’s share repurchase program, as announced by the Company on February 29, 2024 and August 8, 2024, details of which are available on its website.

Corporate Profile

SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy.
More than 7,800 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.
For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

Financial Calendar	Date	Year
First Quarter 2025 Trading Update	May 15	2025
Half Year 2025 Earnings	August 7	2025
Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update	November 13	2025
Full Year 2025 Earnings	February 26	2026
Annual General Meeting	April 15	2026

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Wouter Holties
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

Media Relations

Giampaolo Arghittu
Head of External Relations

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and / or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impacts, Risks and Opportunities’ section of the 2024 Annual Report.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the 2024 Annual Report, available on our website Annual Reports – SBM Offshore.

Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

“SBM Offshore^®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward^®”, “emissionZERO^®” and “F4W^®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

¹ Based on the foreign exchange rate on February 20, 2025

Attachment

SBM Offshore starts EUR141 million share repurchase following successful completion of the 2024 program

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Restore Funding for National Endowment for the Humanities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

April 23, 2025

“Libraries, museums, historic sites, and community centers in rural communities and small towns face particularly dire financial futures without grant funding from state humanities councils and the NEH.”

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined Senate and House colleagues to demand the Trump administration reverse its termination of congressionally-appropriated funding for grants administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Their letter follows the Oregon Democratic delegation’s denouncement of this administration’s egregious attacks on humanities funding earlier this month.

In this latest letter to Donald Trump and NEH Acting Chair Michael McDonald, the lawmakers wrote: “Overnight, on April 2, 2025, the NEH terminated all current five-year General Operating Support grants awarded to state and jurisdictional humanities councils. This funding provides the majority of operating support for state humanities council partners of NEH. The administration is also targeting NEH with the aim of terminating more than 1,400 other grant awards, substantially reducing its staff, and eliminating many of the agency’s previously announced grant programs. Such reckless actions will have a devastating impact on museums, historic sites, universities, educators, libraries, public television and radio stations, research institutions, and local humanities programming throughout our nation.

“For over 60 years, NEH staff have helped grantees, from individuals to museums and nonprofits, provide high-quality humanities programs to communities across the country, including 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils. NEH funds, allocated to state humanities councils, are for local use and allow councils to leverage $2 in private investment for every federal dollar spent. The loss of NEH funding to humanities councils will decimate the ability of these nonprofits to serve localities in their states, eliminating programs that are essential to each state’s cultural infrastructure. This will lead to significant job loss in communities that are the most vulnerable to the lack of federal support,” the lawmakers continued.

“These cuts will not provide significant savings for the federal government nor the American taxpayer, but they will impact millions who benefit from the far-reaching humanities programs, including our veterans, students, educators, and seniors. We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision. Supporting the NEH is not merely an investment in cultural preservation; it is also a crucial investment in community health, education, social development, and economic vitality,” the lawmakers concluded.

NEH funding provides the majority of operating support for state humanities councils. The Trump administration is also threatening to terminate more than 1,400 other grant awards at the NEH, substantially reducing its staff, and eliminating many of the agency’s previously awarded and announced grant programs.

U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) led the letter, which was co-signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Angus King (I-Me.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 108 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, in addition to Wyden and Merkley.

Full text of the letter is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
April 23, 2025

After serving seven House terms and five Senate terms, Durbin says, “I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”

CHICAGO – In a video message shared with Illinois voters today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

“The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term,” Durbin said in the video.

“The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I am truly grateful,” Durbin said. “Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”

Durbin concluded, “To the Illinoisans who gave this kid from East St. Louis a chance to serve: Thank you for supporting me—through words and actions—over the years. Now that I have this announcement behind me, I need to get back to work.”

Senator Durbin is the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois, the state’s senior Senator, and the longest serving, popularly elected Senator from Illinois. Durbin also serves as the Senate Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among Senate Democrats. Durbin has been elected to this leadership post by his Democratic colleagues every two years since 2005 and is the longest serving Whip for either party.

Senator Durbin served as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the 117^th and 118^th Congresses. During his time as Chair, the committee held 145 full committee hearings, 88 subcommittee hearings, and 86 executive business meetings; advanced 373 executive and judicial nominees out of the committee; and reported 56 bills out of the committee. The Senate also confirmed a record 235 judges, including Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Senator Durbin has given more than half of his life to House and Senate Congressional service, having first been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, representing the Springfield-based 20th congressional district. After serving seven House terms, Durbin was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, 1996, and re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. Durbin fills the seat left vacant by the retirement of his long-time friend and mentor, U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

A video summary of Durbin’s accomplishments as a member of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate can be found here. Below is a list of some of Durbin’s top legislative accomplishments throughout his career.

Judicial Confirmations. During his time as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Democrats confirmed 235 judges to lifetime positions. This included the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Of the confirmations, two-thirds were women, two-thirds were people of color, and two-fifths were women of color.

Curbing Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use. As a Congressman, Durbin was the primary author of legislation that ended smoking on airplanes. Since, he has continued to work to reduce tobacco use—especially by young people—by leading the passage of legislation to increase the tobacco purchase age to 21, pressing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and repeatedly calling on the FDA to better enforce laws regulating unauthorized e-cigarettes.

Dream Act/DACA. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Durbin has spoken on the Senate Floor 147 times to tell the stories of these young people. In 2012, Durbin worked with President Obama to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status.

Criminal Justice Reform. Durbin’s Fair Sentencing Act, enacted in 2010, reduced the federal sentencing disparity for crack/powder cocaine offenses. In 2019, Durbin led bipartisan efforts to enact the First Step Act, the most significant criminal justice reform legislation in a generation. More than 40,000 people had been released under the First Step Act as of January 2024, with a recidivism rate of only 9.7 percent. Durbin continues to work to further these efforts through his Safer Detention Act, Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act, and Smarter Sentencing Act.

Infrastructure Investments. Durbin has made strengthening Illinois’ role as a transportation hub a top priority. He has led efforts to secure funding to relieve congestion on Illinois’ roads; modernize O’Hare International Airport; expand air service downstate; improve and expand passenger rail service—including Amtrak, CTA, and Metra; modernize locks and dams; and improve pedestrian safety. Since the return of earmarks from Fiscal Year 2022 – Fiscal Year 2024 alone, Durbin secured $548.1 million for Illinois projects.

Health Care Shortages. Durbin has led efforts to expand health care access, especially in rural areas. Durbin’s bipartisan SIREN Act, first enacted in 2018, provides grants to rural fire and EMS agencies. He secured $1 billion for the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps in the American Rescue Plan to recruit more doctors, nurses, dentists, and behavioral health providers. Durbin has also worked to expand oral health care access through Medicaid.

Medical & Scientific Research. Through Durbin’s American Cures and American Innovation Acts, and his America Grows Act, he has led efforts to secure increased funding—with the goal of five percent real growth—for federal medical and scientific research funding, including through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other agencies. Durbin’s efforts resulted in a 60 percent funding increase for NIH over the past decade.

Support for the Baltics. Durbin was a strong supporter of the accession of Poland and the Baltics into NATO. He has been a steadfast Senate champion of the NATO alliance. And he has worked to provide further security support through his bipartisan Baltic Security Initiative Act and by securing funding for Baltic security through defense appropriations.

College Affordability. In 2013, Durbin helped negotiate the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act to lower interest rates on federal student loans. Durbin’s Open Textbooks Pilot program has resulted in more than $250 million in estimated savings for students. Durbin also led efforts to hold fraudulent for-profit colleges accountable and has pushed the Education Department to discharge the student loans of borrowers who attended these predatory schools.

Gun Violence Prevention. Durbin has prioritized addressing childhood trauma to break the cycle of violence, including through his Chicago HEAL Initiative and his Trauma Support in Schools grant program with Senator Capito. In 2023, the 10 HEAL hospitals provided 4,403 students with employment/training opportunities and provided 2,614 victims of violence with trauma-informed case management. Durbin is working to further these efforts through his bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act.

Consumer Protection. In 2008, Durbin first introduced legislation to create an agency focused on consumer protection, which eventually was added to Dodd-Frank and resulted in the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Dodd-Frank also included the Durbin swipe fee amendment to cap debit card swipe fees, estimated to have saved consumers $6 billion in the first year after implementation. Durbin has continued to work to protect consumers through his bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act—and more recently, legislation to protect consumers from crypto ATM fraud and to bring transparency to airline rewards programs.

Protecting the Environment. Durbin has led efforts to protect the Great Lakes, including through Army Corps projects like Brandon Road, securing funding for Chicago shoreline restoration, supporting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and introducing legislation to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets into waterways. Durbin has worked to reduce emissions and chemical discharges, including to reduce ethylene oxide emissions and more recently, legislation to phase out non-essential uses of PFAS. Durbin has also secured significant funding for electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure in Illinois.

Veterans Care. Durbin’s Veteran Servicemember Caregiver Support Act led to a new, national program at the VA, enacted in 2010, to provide financial assistance, health care, and counseling to family caregivers of disabled veterans. In 2023, the VA provided services to more than 74,000 caregivers participating in the program. Durbin also led the effort to establish the Lovell Federal Health Care Facility in North Chicago.

Defense Funding. Durbin served as Chairman/Vice Chairman of Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee from the 113th-116th Congresses. As a leader and member of that subcommittee, Durbin secured funding for a range of small defense contractors in Illinois, strengthened manufacturing at Rock Island Arsenal and capabilities at Scott Air Force Base, and led efforts to increase service member pay. Durbin also led the effort to bring a DoD Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute to Illinois (MxD) and has worked to address DoD’s PFAS releases to protect service members and their families.

Durbin was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to his father, William Durbin, and his Lithuanian-born mother, Ona (Kutkaite) Durbin. He is married to Loretta Schaefer Durbin. Their family consists of three children—Christine, Paul, and Jennifer—as well as six grandchildren.

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MIL OSI USA News –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: New child care spaces, training centre open in North Vancouver

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Students and families will have more access to affordable child care spaces and a new centre to train early childhood educators (ECE) at Capilano University (CapU) in North Vancouver.

“Access to high-quality, affordable child care is essential, not only for advancing equality but also for strengthening our economy by helping more people pursue an education or find a job,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “The new Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies doubles the number of child care spaces on campus, supporting families in the community, while also providing more opportunities for early childhood education students to get the education they need to join the workforce in their chosen field.”

The centre adds 74 child care spaces for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, for a total of 143 on-campus spaces. A purpose-built learning space with labs and classrooms is also opening to provide education for 20 additional early childhood educators, bringing the practicum placements for students on campus to 48.

“As I finish the final year of my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Capilano University, I look back on my educational journey that started 30 years ago when only diplomas were available,” said Kate Berry-deWynter, student, CapU. “Now, as a mother of three university-age children, I am achieving my dream of completing a degree. Being an ECE student at CapU has reinvigorated my passion for education, social justice and advocacy for educators.”

The Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies is Western Canada’s only degree-granting, integrated centre for early childhood care, research and education. The child care centre will be on the main floor and the education facility for ECE students will be upstairs.

“As we continue to build a future where affordable, quality and inclusive child care is a core service that working families, women and single parents can count on, we know early childhood educators play a vital role,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “This new centre is co-located, increasing access to child care and providing more practicum opportunities for students. This is not only great news for families on the North Shore, but any community where these future ECEs decide to live and work.”

The $25-million Centre for Childhood Studies project received more than $11 million from the Province, including nearly $3 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. Capilano University contributed more than $8 million toward the project, with nearly $6 million from donors.

“The Centre for Childhood Studies at Capilano University is one of many ways our government is investing in education and training for early childhood educators, and we are making a difference,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Since 2017, over 8,900 students have enrolled in early childhood education programs at public post-secondary institutions across B.C., an 85% increase. By expanding opportunities for on-the-job training for future early child care educators and creating more child care spaces for families, this new centre will set up learners of all ages for success.”

Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s accelerated space-creation programs have helped fund the creation of more than 40,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C., with more than 23,000 of these operational. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality and inclusive child care as a core service for families.

Children will begin attending the child care centre in June 2025 and classes for the ECE program will begin in the new centre in fall 2025.

Quotes:

Susie Chant, MLA North Vancouver-Seymour –

“As a parent and foster parent, I know how vital stable support is in a child’s early years. Families thrive when they have access to reliable care and skilled early childhood educators. That’s why the new centre at Capilano University is so important. It offers a safe, supportive space where children, parents and future educators can learn and grow together.”

Brad Martin, dean, faculty of education, health and human development, Capilano University –

“The opening of this innovative teaching, learning and research space reimagines how we prepare future educators to meet the needs of 21st-century children and provides quality child care that is vital for children, families and communities to thrive.”

Learn More:

For more information about how B.C. is delivering quality and affordable child care to more families in the province, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/childcare

For more information about supports, training and professional development opportunities for child care and early learning professionals, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/childcare/ecestrategy

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning a Navy Lieutenant’s Car While He Was Deployed at Sea

Source: US State of North Dakota

Note: View settlement here.

The Justice Department today announced that it reached an agreement with California towing company Tony’s Auto Center to resolve allegations that it illegally auctioned a deployed Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the settlement agreement, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. The United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony’s Auto Center must implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA.

According to the United States’ complaint, in November 2022, before leaving for deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill, Lieutenant Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked it at a friend’s house. While he was deployed at sea, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and, about two months later, sold it at auction without first obtaining a court order, as is required by the SCRA.

“Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

“The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “While Lieutenant Liongson was at sea, he understood that his ship’s mission and the duration of their deployment could change at any moment. He accepted that reality in the fulfillment of his solemn oath. In turn, the SCRA provides grace and understanding about certain personal affairs. Lieutenant Liongson’s car should not have been auctioned off in his absence. We hope this settlement encourages all towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.”

The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so.

Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Stakeholders acknowledge progress with Zimbabwe arrears clearance dialogue, call for more effort and support
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 23, 2025/APO Group/ —
- Challenges should not overshadow the good results achieved so far, says former president Chissano
- “Zimbabwe has made a lot of progress, against all odds. Now, we all should rally around it to conclude this process,” Adesina
- Former farm owners welcome compensation payment
International organisations, creditors, and other stakeholders in the Zimbabwe arrears clearance and debt resolution unanimously acknowledged on Monday that tremendous progress has been made after two years of an extensive Structured Dialogue process but observed several challenges that need to be addressed.

At a roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, participants highlighted achievements in two of three reform areas: economic growth and stability, land reforms, and compensation of former farm owners. However, they called for more effort in the governance pillar.

“The parameters of the dialogue have been set. Most issues have been dealt with. Commitments and targets have been agreed upon. We should all be proud of the dialogue process and what it has achieved,” said Joachim Chissano, former president of Mozambique and facilitator of Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.

Other speakers included Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and champion of the dialogue process; Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa; Abebe Selassie, Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who represented the Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva; representatives of the governments of the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany; and the Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi.

“Zimbabwe has made a lot of progress, against all odds,” said Adesina, pointing out, however, that recent ascent to the Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) bill is a significant setback and poses a risk to the arrears clearance and debt resolution process.

Adesina laid out several concrete next steps, including the need for the IMF to approve the Staff Monitored Programme for Zimbabwe at the Spring Meetings, support from potential donors for bridge loan financing, exploration of additional resources from the African Development Fund, and prioritisation of Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance within the G20 Common Framework.

He said the African Development Bank Group will explore the possibility of mobilising additional resources for Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance within the framework of the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund coming up towards the end of the year. This will form part of an agreed-upon process for clearing the bridge loan.

“Similarly, we encourage the World Bank’s International Development Association to do the same to clear arrears,” the Bank Group president said.

“To move the arrears clearance and debt resolution forward, the African Development Bank Group is financing the Global Sovereign Advisory and legal advisors, Kepler-Karst, to support the arrears clearance and debt resolution process, with clear timelines,” Adesina said.

Progress across three reform pillars

Chissano outlined other reforms that the Zimbabwe government undertook within the dialogue process framework, including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ceasing its quasi-fiscal operations, with all liabilities transferred to the treasury; the exchange rate system moving closer to market-determined rates; prudent fiscal policy and expenditure rationalisation being pursued; and the ongoing token payments to creditors.

Under the land tenure reform, Chissano and other speakers welcomed the ongoing compensation for former farm owners and the Farm Title Deed programme launched in December 2024. The programme provides for a 99-year lease agreement that is bankable and transferable.

Regarding governance reforms, the meeting heard that Zimbabwe had abolished the death penalty and that other significant reforms were underway to improve efficiency in the justice sector, enhance measures to fight corruption, and improve public sector transparency and accountability.

However, like other speakers, Chissano noted that challenges remain in civil society engagement, democratic elections, judicial processes, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

“These challenges show that dialogue is still needed for reforms to take root. They also show that political reforms are not a linear process,” he said, urging that these challenges “should mobilise us to redouble our efforts and re-energise the dialogue process.”

The government of Zimbabwe has proposed a plan to secure bridge financing of $2.6 billion to clear arrears to international financial institutions.

In his presentation, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube said the country’s economic outlook shows signs of recovery with expected growth of 6.0% in 2025. This is a remarkable improvement on last year’s 2.0% due to severe drought. The introduction of ZiG currency in April 2024 is helping to restore macroeconomic stability.

The arrears clearance roadmap aims to secure and implement a Staff Monitored Programme with the IMF in 2025, develop a credible strategy to close the fiscal financing gap, clear arrears with international financial institutions by early 2026, and complete comprehensive debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework.

The Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary, Elias M. Magosi, said Zimbabwe should be supported to bounce back, pointing to its strategic role in regional trade, integration, and development.

Back in Zimbabwe, the former president of the Commercial Farmers Union, Mr. Andrew J. Pascoe, confirmed receipt of payments made to former landowners, describing the development as “another momentous event.”

“Monday, 24 March 2025, saw the first US Dollar Cash payments due under this plan being paid to the signed-up Former Farm Owners (FFOs),” he said. “After almost 20 years, we, as Zimbabweans had been able to put aside our differences and, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, negotiated an agreement that laid the foundation for the payment of compensation for improvements on farms which the government of Zimbabwe had acquired under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme.”

“I would like, as a representative of these farmers, to sincerely thank His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and his government for standing by the commitment made by His Excellency in 2018 to pay compensation for acquired farms in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Nearly three years ago, President Emmerson Mnangagwa asked Dr Adesina to champion Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution process.

“I knew the job would be difficult,” Adesina recalled and expressed confidence, saying, “We will succeed in giving Zimbabwe and its people a full arrears clearance and debt resolution so that it can receive critical concessional financing needed to boost its growth and development further.”

“Now, we all should rally around it to conclude this process,” he added.

MIL OSI Africa –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its latest annual report. The 2024 Internet Crime Report combines information from 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime and details reported losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase in losses from 2023.

The top three cyber crimes, by number of complaints reported by victims in 2024, were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches. Victims of investment fraud, specifically those involving cryptocurrency, reported the most losses—totaling over $6.5 billion.

According to the 2024 report, the most complaints were received from California, Texas, and Florida. As a group, people over the age of 60 suffered the most losses at nearly $5 billion and submitted the greatest number of complaints.

“Reporting is one of the first and most important steps in fighting crime so law enforcement can use this information to combat a variety of frauds and scams,” said FBI Director, Kash Patel. “The IC3, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is only as successful as the reports it receives; that’s why it’s imperative that the public immediately report suspected cyber-enabled criminal activity to the FBI.”

To promote public awareness, the IC3 produces an annual report to aggregate and highlight the data provided by the general public. The quality of the data is a direct reflection of the information the public provides through the IC3 website. The IC3 standardizes the data by categorizing each complaint and analyzes the data to identify and forecast trends in internet crime. The annual report helps the FBI develop effective relationships with industry partners and share information for investigative and intelligence purposes for law enforcement and public awareness.

The IC3, which was established in May 2000, houses nine million complaints from the public in its database and continues to encourage anyone who thinks they’ve been the victim of a cyber-enabled crime, regardless of dollar loss, to file a complaint through the IC3 website. The more comprehensive complaints the FBI receives, the more effective it will be in helping law enforcement gain a more accurate picture of the extent and nature of internet-facilitated crimes.

The FBI recommends that everyone frequently review consumer and industry alerts published by the IC3. If you or your business are a victim of an internet crime, immediately notify all financial institutions involved in the relevant transactions, submit a complaint to www.ic3.gov, contact your nearest FBI field office, and contact local law enforcement.

Learn more about the history of IC3 by listening to this previously released FBI podcast episode: Inside the FBI: IC3 Turns 20.

The full 2024 Internet Crime Report can be found here: ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf

MIL Security OSI –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning a Navy Lieutenant’s Car While He Was Deployed at Sea

Source: United States Attorneys General 13

Note: View settlement here.

The Justice Department today announced that it reached an agreement with California towing company Tony’s Auto Center to resolve allegations that it illegally auctioned a deployed Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the settlement agreement, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. The United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony’s Auto Center must implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA.

According to the United States’ complaint, in November 2022, before leaving for deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill, Lieutenant Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked it at a friend’s house. While he was deployed at sea, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and, about two months later, sold it at auction without first obtaining a court order, as is required by the SCRA.

“Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

“The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “While Lieutenant Liongson was at sea, he understood that his ship’s mission and the duration of their deployment could change at any moment. He accepted that reality in the fulfillment of his solemn oath. In turn, the SCRA provides grace and understanding about certain personal affairs. Lieutenant Liongson’s car should not have been auctioned off in his absence. We hope this settlement encourages all towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.”

The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so.

Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Working Toward Equal Access to the Justice System: Attorney General Bonta Urges Congress to Fund Civil Legal Assistance for Low-Income Americans

Source: US State of California

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general in submitting letters to Congressional leaders urging them to fund the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in full. LSC is funded by federal appropriation and is a critical complement to state and other funding for legal aid. The LSC is the biggest source of funding for civil legal aid for low-income Americans across the United States, ensuring equal access to justice for those who need it most.

“Equal access to our justice system is critical to ensuring every American has the opportunity to succeed, yet low-income families often face financial barriers when trying to access legal services,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Legal Services Corporation helps ensure that our legal system works for all Americans, not just those who can afford representation. From helping domestic violence survivors find safety to protecting seniors from scams, this important work cannot go unfunded. I urge Congress to support our most vulnerable constituents and prioritize investment in the Legal Services Corporation.”

Since its establishment by Congress 50 years ago, LSC has provided civil legal services to low-income Americans across the United States who otherwise would not have access to such services. LSC is funded by federal appropriation and the amount of the investment will determine the number of Americans in need that LSC will be able to assist. Each year, LSC provides grants to local nonprofits who together provide legal services to low-income individuals throughout the United States from approximately 900 offices nationwide, stretching from urban centers to small towns. LSC-funded programs help veterans secure rightful benefits, support disaster victims rebuilding their lives, assist domestic violence survivors seeking safety and stability, and protect seniors from financial exploitation.

In submitting the letters, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washinton, West Virgina, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A copy of the letters can be found here and here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Farmers of Salem Proudly Spotlights Employee Tammy Stell for Her Generous Charitable Giving Work
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WILMINGTON, Del., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Property and Casualty insurer, Farmers of Salem, is proud to support employee involvement in community activities that improve the quality of life in those communities where our employees live. Today, we spotlight Tammy Stell, Claims Customer Service Supervisor, who will be celebrating her 6-year career with Farmers later this year.

We all felt the helpless and scary effects of the COVID Pandemic. But some of us recognized the needs of others and did something about it. It all started with a visit to the dollar store. While at the cash register, Tammy’s husband, Al Stell, noticed an older woman at the register. Without enough money, she had to put back some food items for herself in order that she could afford food for her precious pet cat. Al stepped in and paid for the woman’s whole grocery bill. As he was driving home, his wheels started turning. Tammy and Al put their extra time and energy into a new mission: “To help people feed their animals when they are financially distressed.”

Bo Lends a PAW Pet Pantry held its first event on June 6, 2020, in Salem County, NJ. The pantry is named after the Stell family dog, Bo, who was adopted from a shelter in 2019. The pantry is a non-profit organization that helps people feed their fur babies. Says Tammy, “We want to help people with their animals, so there will be less animals on the streets and less animals being “surrendered” to animal shelters. It helps relieve the financial burden on people, allowing them to focus on paying for other essential items they need”

Al Stell has a long history of community service volunteering as a firefighter since he was 16. Tammy loves animals and says, “We are at a point in our lives that we can help the community and make a difference. We are big animal lovers, and we want to help people take care of them. When someone thanks me it means the world to me. People are eternally grateful. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.”

The organization has big party plans to celebrate their 5-year anniversary, on June 7, 2025, at the Engine House in Pennsville, NJ. Recently, on March 13^th, Tammy and Al went to a local school for a meet-n-greet with Bo. The students held a donation drive, and the winning class got a Pizza Party and an in-person meeting with the famous Bo Stell. Bo Lends a PAW has been featured by multiple media outlets and just this month was awarded the Best Community Strengthening Non-Profit in the 2025 Best in Salem County contest.

Regarding Tammy’s career at Farmers, she stated: “I love my job!” Tammy is a Customer Service Rep II and has enjoyed working at Farmers for 5+ years.

For more information about Bo Lends a PAW Pet Pantry, visit www.BoLendsAPaw.org or, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/bolendsapawpetpantry.

About Farmers of Salem
Founded in 1851, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and has received a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention.

Farmers of Salem provides compensated Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to full-time employees for use during their regular workday. Farmers’ recognizes volunteering provides employees with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully support their chosen charitable missions and is very proud of their employee’s service to others.

For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit farmersofsalem.com

As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:
- Autism Delaware
- Serviam Girls Academy
- Vehicles for Veterans
- Salem County Humane Society
- Habitat for Humanity
- VFW Post #253
- Operation Legacy
- Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
- Temple University
- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
- Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
- Make A Wish
- American Red Cross
- American Cancer Society
- Longwood Gardens
- Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry
Contact:
Kim Lorenzini
856-628-0150
klorenzini@fosnj.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d857c142-941d-46ad-97eb-4f0372670258

The MIL Network –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: UPDATE — HP Announces 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator Cohort
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

News Highlights:
- Eight nonprofit organizations in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain selected for the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator.
- Organizations are serving disconnected adolescents and adults through digital skills training, education access, and other community-driven initiatives.
- Each nonprofit will receive $100,000 of HP technology and solutions, capacity-building cash grants, and six–months of training and programming to support scale.
- In its first three years, the Accelerator helped 27 participating organizations expand their reach by more than 9 million people.
- The Digital Equity Accelerator, a joint initiative of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation, helps power the future of work by improving access to technology, digital literacy, and AI-driven skills development.
PALO ALTO, Calif., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) and the HP Foundation announced the selection of 8 nonprofit organizations in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain for the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator (Accelerator). The Accelerator will provide the 2025 cohort with a USD $100,000 grant, HP technology (~USD $100,000 value), and six months of virtual training to strengthen capacity and drive digital inclusion.

“The future of work depends on equitable access to technology, digital skills, and opportunity,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation. “Through the Digital Equity Accelerator, HP is empowering nonprofits to bridge the digital divide, ensuring disconnected adolescents and adults have the tools and training needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By investing in these organizations, we are not just expanding access—we are powering the future of work.”

A $1 trillion-plus digital divide is limiting billions from achieving equal access to education and economic opportunities. Through the Accelerator, HP collaborates with a network of partners to help nonprofit organizations scale digital equity solutions.

“We are fortunate to work with companies like HP that are committed to scaling tech for good through this Accelerator,” said Hala Hanna, Executive Director, MIT Solve. “Our support programs are designed to meet nonprofit leaders where they are – providing capacity building workshops, executive coaching, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a library of in-kind resources to help them fully benefit from the program.”

Accelerating Digital Equity in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain
The Accelerator helps nonprofits scale digital equity programs for disconnected adults and adolescents to power the future of work. Meet the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator cohort:

Greece:
- Socialinnov (Social Impact and Innovation) – Leveraging technology to drive social change, Socialinnov has equipped more than 40,000 people in underrepresented communities in Greece with digital skills training that expands access to the digital economy.
- The Smile of the Child (TSoC) – Founded in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, The Smile of the Child (TSoC) is a non-profit organization supporting more than 2.2 million adults and adolescents with tools, technology and other resources.
Indonesia:
- Solve Education Foundation – Focusing on empowering Indonesian youth with 21st century skills through its AI-powered learning platform, edbot.ai, an innovative enrichment program, helping students succeed in school and beyond.
- Markoding (Daya Kreasi Anak Bangsa Foundation) – Helps equip underprivileged youth with 21st-century skills to foster a generation of innovators. Its flagship program, Perempuan Inovasi, has empowered over 35,000 women with STEM training, mentorship, and access to job opportunities.
Nigeria:
- She-Code Africa Women Tech Initiative (She Code Africa) – Provides participants across Africa with in-demand digital and technical skills. Since 2016, its training, mentorship, scholarships, and career programs have helped more than 62,000 people receive the digital skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.
- The Slum to School Initiative (Slum2School Africa) – Addressing Africa’s education crisis, this volunteer-driven organization provides quality education, skills development, and psychosocial support to underserved children and youth, empowering them to drive sustainable development.
Spain:
- AlmaNatura Foundation – Founded in a small village in Southern Spain, AlmaNatura designs and implements projects that revitalize rural areas through employment, education, health, and sustainability, fostering opportunities for local communities to thrive.
- Fundación Esplai Ciudadanía Comprometida (Committed Citizenship Esplai Foundation) – Focuses on promoting citizen empowerment through inclusive, rights-based projects and programs. It collaborates with local, national, and international organizations to support socio-educational initiatives in information and communication technologies (ICT).
Since 2022, the Accelerator has helped expand the reach of 27 nonprofit organizations in Brazil, Canada, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and the U.S. by more than 9 million people.

HP’s Commitment to Digital Equity and Sustainable Impact
As nearly half of the world’s population remains offline, equipping youth and adults with critical skills reflects HP’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and supporting economic inclusion. The Digital Equity Accelerator is one way HP is delivering progress toward its goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030.

For more information on the Digital Equity Accelerator, please visit the website.

About HP
HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

The MIL Network –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release

Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

British businesses will be supported to trade freely as the Chancellor chooses to act on practices that undercut fair trade, such as the dumping of cheap goods into the UK.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes action to mitigate the impacts of practices such as potential future ‘dumping’ of cheap goods into the UK to help boost growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

Increased support for businesses to report unfair practices, improved monitoring of trade data, and an acceleration of potential measures to deter import surges.

Review of the customs treatment of Low Value Imports – which some of the UK’s best-known retailers argue disadvantages them with overseas competitors.

The government announced immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the body responsible for defending the UK against certain unfair international trade practices.

The Chancellor also announced her intention to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports, which allows goods valued at £135 or less to be imported without paying customs duty.

Some of Britain’s best-known retailers such as Next and Sainsburys, have called to amend the treatment, arguing that it disadvantages them by allowing international companies to undercut them.

Speaking in Washington D.C. at the annual IMF Springs meetings, Reeves was clear that an open global economy is crucial for UK growth, the number one priority of the government’s Plan for Change.

She said that free and open trade is good for the UK, but fairness needs to be injected into the global economic system.

Gains from global economic growth have not been equally shared both at home and abroad, and more needs to be done to tackle the rise in non-market practices that harm working people’s incomes.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

The world has changed, and we are in a new era of global trade. 

We must stand up for free and open trade – crucial to deliver our Plan for Change to make everyone better off. We must help businesses keep their access to trade around the world.  

This government is meeting the moment to protect fair and open trade. Following recent announcements reducing tariffs and support for the zero-emissions vehicles industry, today’s package will help businesses compete fairly with international exporters, supporting a world economy that provides stability and fairness for working people and businesses alike.

Today’s (23 April) support comes in addition to recent action taken by the government recently to support industry and businesses navigate tough global economic headwinds.  

This includes action to protect British steelmaking, as the UK vows to take a strategic approach to the forthcoming industrial strategy so the economy that can make, sell, and buy more in Britain.  

As part of the Spring Statement tariffs were suspended on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over the next two years.

The Prime Minister announced earlier this month that the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is changing to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles while delivering the manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government won’t stand idly by while cheap imports flood our markets and harm British industries. That is why I met with the TRA recently to agree urgent steps to tackle these issues in real time to deliver quicker protections for firms.

This is about standing up for our national interest, and as part of our Plan for Change, creating a level playing field where UK businesses can thrive and grow.

More information

Low Value Imports

Many of Britain’s most well-known domestic retailers have criticised the customs treatment of Low Value Imports.

They argue that it gives preferential tariff treatment to firms who manufacture and warehouse their goods overseas and then ship directly to UK customers – paying no tariffs.

Listening to the concerns the Chancellor will review this regime. Officials will engage stakeholders from next month to consider the impact on UK consumers, minimising administrative costs and other factors.

For stakeholders looking to engage the government on the review of the customs treatment of low value imports, please contact lowvalueimports@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

Theo Paphitis, Retail Entrepreneur, said:

This is a much-needed injection of confidence for retailers and a common sense move to protect the UK economy. The sector has been crying out to level the unfair playing field and is a welcome, positive and strong step in the right direction by the Chancellor. This shows the government is listening and responding to UK business.

George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:

We welcome the Chancellor’s plan to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports. The abolition of the favourable tax treatment of low value imports would be a significant step forwards in the government’s support for British businesses. We have long advocated for the closure of this tax loophole which undermines many UK companies that make a substantial contribution to the British economy, to the British high street and to the British Government’s own revenues.

Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys PLC said:

Today’s government announcement is encouraging. All retailers selling to UK consumers should play by the same rules. If you want to sell to UK consumers, then abide by UK standards, and pay UK tax, just as UK retailers do. Today, low-value shipments delivered from abroad straight to UK consumers avoid import duty, often evade VAT, and can fail to meet safety standards. There’s a growing risk of unsafe and tax-dodging product being dumped in the UK, as tariffs bite and the US and EU close their own import duty loopholes. I’m pleased that the government is urgently reviewing the low-value shipment loophole, and that they’re committed to levelling the playing field between British and overseas retailers.

Improved Global Trade Data

Dumping of cheap goods into the UK is where foreign exports are sold into the UK at lower than market rates, harming UK producers as a result.

The government announced immediate steps the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) – which defends the UK against certain unfair international trade practices – will take to mitigate risks to the UK economy:

The TRA will be surging resources into its pre-application office by pulling in the best and the brightest analysts, lawyers and accountants from across the Civil Service to support British businesses. The pre-application office advises and supports businesses with the evidence the TRA needs to launch cases. Staff will shift more focus to work with businesses on the ground, especially small and medium companies, to help them report and evidence unfair trade practices where they see them happening.

The TRA will act to enhance it’s monitoring of emerging trade risks; including new surveillance and data gathering measures. This will help the government spot and tackle the potential dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

The TRA are going to work to reduce the time it takes them to carry out investigations and implement measures – to deter harmful imports and help bring action quicker to British businesses.

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Published 23 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Discusses Devastating Tariffs with GeoTech Manufacturer, Highlights New Housing and Innovative Language Learning Opportunities

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – This morning, Governor Polis highlighted learning opportunities that help Colorado kids thrive at the French American School of Denver, which gives K-5 students a unique bilingual immersion curriculum. This is Denver’s only tuition-free immersion public charter school.

“In Colorado, we want students to learn the skills needed to thrive in the classroom and in the workforce of the future. In today’s global society, language skills are an exciting way to help Colorado’s students get ahead, and I’m thrilled that The French American School of Denver is doing just that. I recently visited a Chinese immersion school and a Spanish immersion school as well, and am excited about all the ways that our schools are preparing kids for a successful future,” said Governor Polis.

Later in the afternoon, Governor Polis visited GeoTech Environmental Equipment, a Colorado manufacturer facing the devastating impacts of Trump’s tariff taxes. Governor Polis discussed how Trump’s tariff taxes are creating market uncertainty, stifling investment, and hurting Colorado manufacturing and jobs. GeoTech manufactures water quality, weather sensing, aerial surveying products, and more.

“Colorado manufacturers like GeoTech are an important part of our economy, creating good-paying jobs. GeoTech manufactures products to support environmental measurements, but is being hampered by the President’s erratic tariffs. The President must leave these failed tariffs behind and begin to repair the damage he has already made to our economy by giving Colorado businesses the certainty needed to grow and thrive,” said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis then visited Joli, a new development creating 126 new homes for hardworking Coloradans, including a food incubator which gives local culinary entrepreneurs a space to grow a business.

“Colorado continues to lead the way in breaking down barriers to new housing that people can afford. This exciting development creates 127 new homes for hardworking Coloradans and families, while also opening a space for culinary businesses to grow, supporting our economy,” said Governor Polis.

Last year, Governor Polis signed legislation to create more transit-oriented communities, eliminate discriminatory occupancy limits, get rid of costly parking restrictions, and give Coloradans the freedom to build Accessory Dwelling Units on their property. This year he is supporting legislation to break down barriers for modular housing, allow communities to build more single-stair buildings that will save Coloradans money on housing, and support the construction of more condos that Coloradans can afford.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Hosts Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day to Celebrate State’s Strong Trade, Tourism & Cultural Partnership

Source: US State of Colorado

Mexico is one of Colorado’s biggest trade partners

DENVER – While President Trump’s tariffs barrels the U.S. toward a recession and raises costs on hardworking Coloradans, Colorado Governor Jared Polis seeks to strengthen economic prosperity with Mexico and Canada, Colorado’s largest trading partners, and has been outspoken against the national tariffs and about the important partnerships that Colorado has with both countries. That’s why Governor Polis today hosted Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day alongside Mexican Consul General Pavel Meléndez Cruz. This comes after the Governor hosted Colorado Canada Friendship Day in March alongside Sylvain Fabi, Consul General of Canada in Denver.

“Trump’s tariff tax increase is raising costs on hardworking people, businesses, housing, agriculture, manufacturing, and creating uncertainty for businesses. I hope our state and country do not fall into a recession because of the economic uncertainty caused by these reckless tariffs. In Colorado, we are doing everything we can to help ensure our economy, jobs, and our future are not destroyed by President Trump’s tariff tax. Republicans and Democrats in Congress can and must stop these federal tariffs,” said Governor Polis. “Colorado-Mexico Friendship Day is a great opportunity for businesses and Coloradans to celebrate the strong trade partnerships with our allies.”

Mexico and Canada are significant economic partners for Colorado, representing 38.5% and 31% of the state’s imports and exports in 2024. Mexico was the top export destination for Colorado goods, valued at $1.7 billion, or 17% of total exports, followed by Canada at $1.6 billion. Combined, the two countries also account for 46% of Colorado’s international visitation, with Mexico leading at over 250,000 visitors, followed by Canada at 183,000 visitors. The economic impact of international travel from these two countries in 2024 was over $265 million.

The President’s tariff tax has created uncertainty for Colorado’s thriving industries, from agriculture to manufacturing and small businesses. People in Colorado are deeply concerned about how the President’s tariff tax will increase the costs of everyday life, from gas to groceries. Much of the fruit sold in Colorado grocery stores is imported from Mexico and could see a price spike.

Governor Polis has taken strong steps to support Colorado’s farmers and ranchers accessing new markets across the world. For instance, Governor Polis helped open exports into Mexico for Colorado’s potato growers. The Trump tariffs could threaten the livelihoods of our farmers in places like the San Luis Valley if Mexico imposes retaliatory tariffs. We have already seen damaging retaliatory tariffs put in place that hit other commodities as well as agricultural equipment. This is another way the Trump tariffs will continue raising the costs of doing business for our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

“Recently announced widespread tariffs will harm agriculture. History tells us that farmers and ranchers will bear the burden because they rely on imports on inputs and retaliatory tariffs by other countries will lower commodity prices. Higher input costs and lower market prices are going to cause the loss of more family farms and ranches, which will further hurt our rural communities and our country. We call on the administration to use a more thoughtful and less widespread approach to trade policy,” said Chad Franke, Farmer and President of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

“The tariffs will increase expenses and cut revenues for America’s agricultural producers. The most vulnerable producers are the younger folks, who already face a huge challenge in gaining a foothold in this industry. We have already been losing producers and rural businesses for many years. I believe if the administration continues to institute these policies this will lead to the need for them to institute a massive government bail-out program to mitigate the economic damage they are inflicting on the agricultural community and rural America. The average American consumer will also feel the pain of these tariffs through their continually increasing grocery bill,” said Kent Peppler, Former Colorado State Director for the Farm Services Agency and former President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

Colorado is 5th in the nation for beef exports. Beef is among Colorado’s largest exports and is a top driver of Colorado’s agricultural economy. In 2024, the U.S. exported a total of $10.45 billion in beef and beef products around the world. Colorado’s top export countries for beef are Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan, China, all countries now facing Trump’s on-again off-again tariffs. Colorado’s other largest agricultural commodities, including dairy, wheat, and corn, all rely on export markets to do business.

In 2024, Colorado exported a record $10.5 billion of goods to the world and imported $16.8 B in goods. Colorado’s top export partners are Mexico ($1.7B), Canada ($1.6B), China ($0.8B) South Korea ($0.6B), and Malaysia ($0.6 B), accounting for half of all Colorado exports in 2024. Top export commodities include meat (17%); nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (15%); electric machinery (13%); optic, photo, medical or surgical instruments (11%); and aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts (5%). In 2022, exports from Colorado supported an estimated 40 thousand jobs.

An estimated 820,200 jobs in Colorado are supported by international trade, representing 20.8% of all jobs in the state.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Advancing Clean Energy Solutions on SUNY Campuses

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State University of New York at Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta) is the first SUNY to purchase Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) voluntary sales program. This purchase is a model for energy users — commercial, industrial and institutional utility customers — to replicate across the State and will provide enough locally-sourced clean energy to fully power four, 200-bed residence halls on the SUNY Oneonta campus.

“New York State continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and sustainability,” Governor Hochul said. “I applaud SUNY Oneonta for powering its campus with clean energy. Not only does this program bring the university one step closer to reaching carbon neutrality, but it also provides a blueprint for other SUNY campuses to follow.”

Implemented by NYSERDA, the Voluntary Tier 1 REC Presale Program was established in 2023 to create an opportunity for any organization — including commercial, industrial and institutional utility customers — to purchase high-quality New York Tier 1 RECs procured by NYSERDA through a competitive process. Tier 1 RECs represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt hour (MWh) of energy derived from renewable resources such as wind and solar. For this program, the sources must be Renewable Energy Standard (RES)-eligible and come from new renewable energy generators that began operation on or after January 1, 2015. Through its REC purchase, SUNY Oneonta will claim 1,000 MWhs of new, local renewable energy in 2025.

By participating in NYSERDA’s program, organizations can reduce their carbon footprint and support local, renewable energy projects throughout New York State.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Securing locally-sourced renewable energy for all New Yorkers, especially for the many students, faculty and others who live and work on a college campus, is a critical part of New York State’s energy leadership. NYSERDA is proud of its collaboration with SUNY Oneonta and looks forward to working with other energy users, such as higher education institutions, through this program in the future.”

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Through SUNY’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, campuses like SUNY Oneonta are making changes today that will have a direct impact on their future energy sustainability and the surrounding communities we serve. We applaud SUNY Oneonta for being the first to join Governor Hochul’s program to purchase Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates, and I look forward to the shared learnings from this initiative so that more of our colleges and universities will understand how RECs can best be incorporated into their clean energy programs.”

State University of New York at Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle said, “In my role as co-chair of the SUNY Sustainability Council, I have the opportunity to work alongside leaders across the SUNY system to develop the SUNY Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. Buying Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates is one positive action we are taking at SUNY Oneonta to lead the way in addressing climate change and sustainability. Our campus community, from students to faculty and visitors, values sustainability and appreciates that it is one of our core values as an institution.”

Assemblymember Brian Miller said, “I commend SUNY Oneonta for being a leader amongst SUNY institutions in using locally sourced clean energy. By becoming the first campus to fully power residence halls using NYSERDA’s voluntary sales program through the purchase of Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates, they are setting a powerful example of what’s possible when we prioritize sustainability, innovation, and local impact,” said Assemblyman Brian Miller. “This is a model that institutions and energy users across New York can look to as we work toward a cleaner, more resilient future.”

This purchase is part of SUNY Oneonta’s Clean Energy Master Plan which charts a roadmap for carbon neutrality by 2045. The university converting its campus buildings over to heat pump technology and purchasing these RECs, as well as its onsite solar energy production, will help to offset SUNY Oneonta’s electrical usage.

NYSERDA is the central administrator of Tier 1 REC purchases and sales in New York and supports a diverse supply of clean energy through its Tier 1 program. Participants in this program can immediately secure the environmental benefits from currently operating projects.

Additional information about the program is available on NYSERDA’s website.

New York State’s Climate Agenda
New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Establish a United Front Against Fraud by Leveraging Credit Reporting as Your First Line of Defense

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bectran, Inc., the industry leader in credit, collections and accounts receivable management technology, has introduced a new method to report and track fraudulent customers, crowning its industry-leading fraud suite with a human-led, data-informed reporting system.

“Credit managers play a critical role in identifying and stopping bad actors,” says Louis Ifeguni, CEO at Bectran. “By embedding their expertise directly into the verification process, we’re not only improving accuracy—we’re elevating the strategic value they bring to their organization.”

Advanced Fraud Alerting and Analysis

In today’s AI-driven fraud landscape, gaps in communication channels between departments can significantly increase a business’s risk exposure. When key stakeholders are unaware of potential threats, fraud reporting on applications becomes fragmented—leaving businesses vulnerable and divided.

To prevent bad actors from slipping through cracks due to miscommunication, inconsistent verification processes, and limited visibility across teams, Bectran has introduced intelligent workflows that seal the gaps in fraud reporting. By surfacing risks as they are flagged, Bectran equips all teams with shared transparency and a fully traceable audit log—while tracking and identifying suspicious applications in real time.

This capability is powered by Bectran’s AI-driven fraud suite and automated prevention network, which continuously scans and warns of discrepancies and risk signals across applications, applicants, and accounts. Paired with Bectran’s fraud suite, it brings a deeper layer of analysis to reviews—helping credit teams quickly catch and correct false positives caused by human error or incomplete data, without compromising on fraud detection accuracy.

Alongside enhancements to the verification workflow, Bectran has improved existing reports by including summaries of detected fraudulent activity. These additions provide greater visibility into potential risk, allowing credit managers to quickly assess application status, view comprehensive audit trails and follow the progression of investigations into fraudulent activity.

Together, these tools enable credit managers to take quicker and more confident action in their reviews—securing cash flow and keeping departments informed of all suspected fraudulent activity.

“We recognize that it is human ingenuity and analysis working in tandem with automated systems and real-time data that outperforms any other method of fraud prevention. When skilled credit managers are given the tools and the authority to make determinations regarding credit risk, the results are indisputable,” says Ali Kidwai, Bectran’s Director of Product, Implementation & Engineering—Enterprise Portfolio Management.

About Bectran

Bectran is the premier SaaS platform for Finance Departments, akin to CRM for Sales. Trusted by diverse organizations, from SMEs to Fortune 100 companies, we streamline credit processing by over 98%, reducing credit defaults and collection costs. Many businesses rely on Bectran for efficient order to cash management, achieving up to 95% cost savings. With rapid onboarding in days, our platform is hailed by credit professionals as the future of credit management. Visit Bectran.com to learn more about financial solutions for your industry.

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: IMF World Economic Outlook: economic uncertainty is now higher than it ever was during COVID

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sergi Basco, Profesor Agregado de Economia, Universitat de Barcelona

Skorzewiak/Shutterstock

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has just published its World Economic Outlook, and it does not take an expert to deduce that, even among some of the world’s top economic minds, confident predictions are currently hard to come by.

Every spring the IMF and World Bank hold their Spring Meetings in Washington DC: a week of seminars, briefings and press conferences focusing on the global economy, international development and world financial markets. At both the Spring Meetings and the Annual Meeting, held each autumn, the IMF publishes its global economic growth forecasts.

For its 2025 Spring Meeting the IMF has published a baseline forecast, as well as an addendum analysing the tariff events that took place between 9 and 14 April. According to the Fund’s report, world GDP will grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026. For the euro area, growth will be 0.8% and 1.2% for 2025 and 2026 respectively.

These forecasts represent a substantial downward revision from IMF figures published just three months ago. Globally, growth in 2025 is down by 0.5% compared to the Fund’s January update, with a reduction of 0.2% for the euro area.

One major shift is key to understanding the most recent IMF report and its pessimistic predictions: we live in a much more uncertain world than we did three months ago.

Trump, tariffs and uncertainty

If one had to sum up the new US tariff policy in a word, “unpredictable” would suffice, as the so-called “Liberation Day” of 2 April 2025 represented the largest tariff increase in modern history.

Just one week later, the US president then made two further announcements. First, a 90-day freeze on tariff hikes, apparently in search of bilateral agreements with the countries to which he had applied tariffs above 10%. Second, that China would be excluded from this exception, with tariffs on its products being raised to 145%.

This freeze means that until July EU goods being sold to the US will have a 10% tariff instead of the 20% that was announced on 2 April. However, the 10% applied by the new US administration is still much higher than the average tariff of 1.34% that was in force before 5 April.

But what will the tariff be after these 90 days? What about in December? What about in 2 years’ time? What goods will be exempted? How far will the trade war between China and the US go? The answer to all of these questions is: nobody knows. This uncertainty is evident in of the IMF’s spring forecast.

Uncertainty is off the charts

The IMF’s world trade uncertainty index is currently 7 times higher than it was in October 2024, much higher than in the pandemic.

As far as the economy is concerned, this uncertainty is far worse than a high but definitive tariff. With a tariff, companies can at least reorganise their production chain, and consumers can look for alternative products. There is a cost, but at least businesses and consumers can plan for it.

However, nobody can calculate these costs today because nobody knows how tariffs will evolve. An American company may decide today to buy a particular product from the EU thinking that the tariff will be 10%, but upon the product’s arrival in the US it turns out the tariff has risen to 100% because a presidential advisor said it would be good for the US economy to raise tariffs on that product.

Unbelievable though it may sound, this appears to be how the tariffs are being decided and enacted. According to one account, the US Treasury and Commerce Secretaries were only able to persuade Trump to freeze recent tariff hikes because Peter Navarro – the president’s economic advisor and tariff ideologue – was in another room at the time.

The end result of this unpredictability is that the best course of action, for consumers and businesses alike, is inaction.

Leer más:
Trump tariff chaos: radical uncertainty will likely make companies delay investments

Fear and volatility

It is no surprise that these constant changes of plans are causing great instability in financial markets. Although Trump may have triumphantly celebrated rising stock prices immediately after the tariff freeze was announced, financial markets are now subject to levels of uncertainty and fear similar to those seen during COVID-19.

Five years ago, volatility was associated with increased demand for US government debt due to the “flight to safety” effect: investors selling higher risk investments and buying safer assets, such as gold and government bonds, in times of uncertainty.

Now we are seeing the exact opposite. The price of US bonds has fallen since “Liberation Day”, and this means that investors are selling them. In other words, markets no longer believe that US government debt is a safe asset. Given the role of the dollar and US debt in international markets, this paradigm shift may generate even more financial instability down the line.

Supply chains are breaking (again)

COVID-19, the last major global economic crisis, has one thing in common with the current situation: disruption of global supply chains. During the pandemic it was confinement that forced production to stop. Today, it is the imposition of tariffs.

However, there is another major difference. During COVID people knew it was a matter of time before vaccines became available and normality returned. Today, instability in financial markets comes not from any virus, but from President Trump’s own advisors selling him all manner of plans to protect US economic interests.

Sergi Basco no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.

– ref. IMF World Economic Outlook: economic uncertainty is now higher than it ever was during COVID – https://theconversation.com/imf-world-economic-outlook-economic-uncertainty-is-now-higher-than-it-ever-was-during-covid-255055

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Developments in AI need to be properly regulated as the world scrambles for advantage

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nisreen Ameen, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Digital Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

AlinStock/Shutterstock

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often hailed as the defining technology of the 21st century, shaping everything from economic growth to national security. But as global investment in AI accelerates, many experts are beginning to ask whether the world has embarked on an AI “arms race”.

With China, the US, UK and the European Union each pledging billions to advance AI, competition in research, infrastructure and industrial applications for the new technology is intensifying. But, at the same time, regulation is struggling to keep pace with rapid development in some regions. This is raising concerns about ethical risks, economic inequality and global AI governance.

There have been rapid advances in AI in the past few years. Companies such as America’s Accenture and China’s DeepSeek have developed large-scale generative AI systems – which can learn from existing content to generate new material such as text, images, music, or videos.

The UK government recently announced its intention to “shape the AI revolution rather than wait to see how it shapes us” through its AI Opportunities Action Plan. This will have a strong focus on regulation, skills and ethical governance.

If the UK and continental Europe are prioritising regulation, China is using its sheer size and appetite for innovation to develop rapidly into what has been described as an “AI super market”, and the US is balancing innovation with national security concerns.

China recently released details of new regulations, which come into force in September, that will require explicit labelling of AI-generated content and providing metadata to link such content to the service provider that generated it. The onus will be on platforms that feature AI generated content to provide such information.

But the different approaches highlight the growing geopolitical dimension of AI development which risks divergence of standards. While competition can drive innovation, without international cooperation on safety, ethics and governance, the global AI race could lead to regulatory gaps and fragmented oversight.

Many analysts fear this would bring significant downsides. Most worryingly there is the prospect of unchecked AI-generated disinformation undermining elections and democratic institutions.

Why does this matter?

AI is more than just another technological breakthrough – it’s a strategic driver of economic power and influence. The countries leading in AI today will play an important role in shaping the future of automation, digital economies and international regulatory frameworks.

AI’s global expansion is driven by several key motivations. It has the potential to massively boost productivity and creativity. It can create new business models and transform entire industries. Governments investing in AI aim to secure long-term economic advantages, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

Meanwhile AI is increasingly integrated into defence, cybersecurity and intelligence. Governments are exploring ways to use AI for strategic advantage, while also ensuring resilience against AI-enabled threats.

But as AI investment surges it is increasingly important to ensure that the challenges the new technology will bring are not overlooked in the rush.

Risks of rapid AI investment

As AI advances, ethical issues become more pressing. AI-powered surveillance systems raise privacy concerns. Deepfake technology, meanwhile, which is capable of generating hyper-realistic video and audio, is already being used for disinformation. Without clear regulatory oversight this could seriously undermine trust and security and threaten democratic institutions.

At the same time, we are already seeing inequality baked into AI development. Many AI-driven innovations cater to wealthy markets and corporations. Meanwhile, marginalised communities face barriers to accessing AI-enhanced education, healthcare and job opportunities – the latter was demonstrated as long ago as 2018 when Amazon reportedly withdrew a recruitment tool that was shown to discriminate against women.

One AI application was withdraws after it was found to discriminate against women.
metamorworks/Shutterstock

Ensuring that AI development benefits society as a whole will require a strategic approach to skills, education and governance. I have conducted studies into how AI tools are being harnessed with a great deal of success in the UK and US and also in China. The research showed how AI capabilities can be combined with strategic agility to drive product and service innovation in many contexts.

But the AI race is not just about economic progress, it also has geopolitical implications. Restrictions on AI-related exports, particularly in semiconductor technology, highlight growing concerns over technological dependencies and national security. Without greater international cooperation, uncoordinated AI policies could lead to economic fragmentation, regulatory inconsistencies across borders and the inevitable risks those bring.

Although some nations are advocating for global AI agreements, these discussions remain in their early stages, so enforcement mechanisms remain limited.

The way forward

This will require multilateral governance, similar to global frameworks on cybersecurity and climate change. Existing discussions by the United Nations as well as the G7 and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) need to incorporate stronger AI-specific enforcement mechanisms that guide development responsibly.

There are signs of progress. The G7’s Hiroshima AI Process has resulted in shared guiding principles and a voluntary code of conduct for advanced AI systems. The OECD’s AI Policy Observatory, meanwhile, is helping coordinate best practices across member states. But binding international enforcement mechanisms are still in their infancy.

Individual countries, meanwhile, need to develop flexible regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with accountability. The EU’s AI Act, the first major attempt to comprehensively regulate AI, classifies AI systems by risk and imposes obligations on developers accordingly.

This has included bans on certain high-risk applications, such as social scoring – which ranks individuals based on behaviour and can lead to discrimination. It’s a step in the right direction, but broader cooperation is still needed to ensure coherent global AI standards.

An enforceable set of rules governing AI development is needed – and quickly. AI could pose more risks than opportunities if left unchecked.

Nisreen Ameen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Developments in AI need to be properly regulated as the world scrambles for advantage – https://theconversation.com/developments-in-ai-need-to-be-properly-regulated-as-the-world-scrambles-for-advantage-248404

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: History in numbers: how statistics help us understand the stability of Soviet society

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

On April 16, as part of XXV April International Scientific Conference of the National Research University Higher School of Economics a round table discussion entitled “Historical Statistics for Studying Mechanisms of Social Stability in the USSR” was held. The event was supported by Interdisciplinary group on historical statistics of the National Center for Humanities and Social Sciences “Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Human Potential”.

The opening speech was given by the Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Liliya Ovcharova. She emphasized the importance of studying the socio-economic legacy of the USSR not only for understanding the past, but also for analyzing modern trends: “The Soviet past contains the reasons for those long-term trends that are still in effect today. We see them in science and scientific schools, in education, in demography, as well as in the development features of Russian regions. Without attention from the Russian research community, important components may be missed in this history, which I include the connecting, civilizational role of the Soviet Union and Russia, as an institution for the development of union republics – future independent states in the post-Soviet space, as well as adjacent territories.”

Round table chaired by the director Expert Institute And Center for Productivity Research The HSE Ilya Voskoboinikov conference brought together not only HSE experts, but also representatives of the Presidential Academy (RANEPA), Rosstat, Moscow State University, and the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The discussion focused on rethinking Soviet official statistics and the availability of archival data, as well as the need for an interdisciplinary approach to studying the socio-economic development of the USSR and Russia using modern quantitative methods. Participants discussed the complexity of interpreting Soviet data, the comparability of sources, and the institutional barriers facing researchers.

Vladimir Sokolin, Chairman of the Federal State Statistics Service (1999-2008) and the Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (2009-2022), devoted his speech to the importance of revising and refining official Soviet statistics based on modern scientific principles. He emphasized the uneven quality of Soviet data — high in terms of physical indicators of industrial production and transport, but questionable in agriculture. He also pointed out the almost complete lack of data in terms of price statistics and mentioned the influence of ideology on decisions to publish data and even statistical developments in certain areas — for example, in cross-country comparisons of living standards. The expert paid special attention to the importance of restoring long dynamic series of statistical indicators and preserving expert knowledge in the field of Soviet statistics as long as its bearers are alive.

A presentation of the results of a project to analyze wage inequality in the USSR was given by Professor Leonid Borodkin of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. His research showed how the degree of differentiation of wages between workers and engineering and technical workers changed in different periods, from the NEP to the late Soviet era. The professor emphasized that data on actual accruals in the archives of enterprises often contradict official statistics. For example, under the conditions of equalization in the post-war period, responsible engineering and technical workers (ITW) were supposed to receive salaries comparable to or even lower than those of workers. This did not correspond to the role of IWW in production and could lead to a shortage of specialists. The solution was incentive funds, which made it possible to create material incentives for responsible and qualified engineers.

Roman Konchakov, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology at the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, spoke about institutional and methodological obstacles to the use of Soviet statistics. He presented statistics not only as a source of data, but also as an element of state building. Konchakov emphasized the importance of the 1920s as a key period for the formation of the Soviet statistical school and pointed out the need to create an infrastructure for combining various historical datasets.

Speech by Ekaterina Boltunova, Director Institute of Regional Historical Research HSE, was devoted to the study of financial and time budgets of households in the context of late Soviet domestic tourism (late 1950s – 1960s). She paid special attention to how the prism of tourism can be used to study the availability of infrastructure, the perception of territories and the everyday economy of Soviet citizens.

Mikhail Denisenko, director Institute of Demography HSE named after A.G. Vishnevsky, in his report examined the dynamics of the age structure of the population of Russia in the 20th century. In his speech, the expert emphasized the importance of demographic data for the analysis of social sustainability, and also spoke about the challenges that researchers face when reconstructing this data, especially in the absence of continuous data for a number of years.

The discussion was summed up by the moderator of the round table, Ilya Voskoboinikov: “When a modern statistician submits a report, the document goes into the archive – but this is not the end of the work. In ten, twenty, fifty years, a historian will come to this archive. Statistics are not only numbers, but also a long-term contribution to our understanding of the past and the present. Soviet historical statistics are very important for modern research, since the Soviet experience touches on a big issue of the modern economy – finding a balance between economic efficiency and social sustainability.”

The second part of the round table included a discussion with representatives of the scientific community, including Maria Drobysheva, Deputy Head of the Department of Living Standards Statistics and Household Surveys of Rosstat, Vyacheslav Stepanov, Leading Researcher at the Center for Ethnopolitical Studies at the Institute of Economics and Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Researcher Laboratories for institutional analysis of economic reforms HSE University Alexey Popov. The latter noted that many statistical funds still remain classified and this greatly complicates working with data.

The discussion confirmed the high interest in the topic and emphasized the need for further development of the historical data infrastructure. Deputy Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Maria Nagernyak noted the often fragmented and unsystematic nature of a large part of the statistical data collected over a long period of time: “These data on various areas of the socio-economic development of our country are of interest not only to the scientific community, but also to the general public. The activities of the Interdisciplinary Group on Historical Statistics are aimed at uniting the efforts of scientists from various fields of science for the joint study of historical statistical data on the development of human potential both in our country and in the post-Soviet space, as well as in friendly foreign countries.”

The group plans to create working groups to discuss statistics in various areas and to formulate an official position of Rosstat on unofficial data, as well as to organize regular conferences to discuss issues of access to archival data and cooperation between historians, economists and statisticians with the involvement of specialists from the faculties of social and economic sciences, as well as schools of historical research National Research University Higher School of Economics.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. supports advanced manufacturing of forestry products
Source: Government of Canada regional news

New support for forestry-sector manufacturers in the province is creating sustainable jobs, strengthening local supply chains, establishing new made-in-B.C. products and reinforcing B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation.

“These timely investments into our province’s manufacturing and forestry value-added sectors will help strengthen homegrown B.C. companies, which in turn creates stronger local economies and sustainable jobs,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We’re working alongside industry to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works better for people and communities.”

Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of B.C. is contributing as much as $11 million toward four forestry-sector capital projects in the province. The projects are helping B.C.-based forestry-product manufacturers grow their businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment and adding new high-value product lines, while creating and protecting hundreds of jobs.

Spearhead Timberworks Inc., near Nelson, specializes in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture. Spearhead is strengthening its capabilities, backed by as much as $7.5 million from the B.C. government to drive its expansion. This includes construction of a new purpose-built facility and implementation of advanced technology that will increase its competitiveness on the international stage, adding state-of-the-art production lines for specialized curved and double-curved glulam. The project will strengthen Spearhead’s capacity to fabricate high-complexity, high-value timber projects using B.C. wood, while creating more than 60 skilled jobs in the Nelson area.

Spearhead’s cutting-edge technology and high-value products demonstrate how B.C.’s fibre can be used to generate significant economic benefits and highly skilled jobs in a high-demand sector. The Kootenay region is quickly establishing itself as a hub for British Columbia’s growing mass-timber economy, uniting a network of local sawmills. The network includes but is not limited to Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative and J.H. Huscroft Ltd., value-added wood manufacturers, such as Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc., and progressive training in wood design, digital fabrication and sustainable construction delivered through Selkirk College.

“Over the past 35 years, we’ve honed our craft in advanced timber fabrication, completing over 450 projects worldwide and building a reputation as trailblazers in our field,” said Josh Hall, partner at Spearhead Timberworks Inc. “This investment from the Province will help us showcase B.C.’s remarkable wood resources globally, while creating long-term jobs at home. We’re honoured by the trust placed in us and excited to continue contributing meaningfully to our community and timber industry.”

More forestry-sector manufacturers receiving funds from the BCMJF include:
- Langley – Westlam Industries Ltd. is a wood-product manufacturer that specializes in construction-grade plywood. Westlam’s products play an important role in the housing and commercial building sector in B.C. and Canada, ensuring a strong local supply of key building materials. It will receive as much as $1.5 million to construct a new production facility and install new automated equipment that will introduce automation, improve fibre utilization, and increase output and productivity, while creating 46 jobs.
- Castlegar – Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership is a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid. The company will receive as much as $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fibre. This investment will help maximize the value of fibre inputs and secure more than 400 jobs at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
- Penticton – Greyback Construction Ltd. is a commercial, residential and industrial construction contractor that is diversifying into prefabricated housing construction. It will receive as much as $235,000 to renovate a former mill site and purchase equipment that will vertically integrate and streamline production of prefabricated exterior walls and floors while creating 12 jobs, helping to create more homes quicker in B.C.
“British Columbia’s forestry companies and workers show what innovation, craftsmanship and hard work looks like,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Spearhead, Westlam, Mercer Celgar, Greyback Construction, and many, many more across the province are stepping up and investing in their workers and their communities, and we’re right there with them. The Manufacturing Jobs Fund creates jobs, strengthens supply chains and supports people in their incredible work around this province.”

The BCMJF is helping manufacturers throughout the province scale and grow their operations to make more made-in-B.C. products that create good jobs and strengthen the economy. BCMJF has also accelerated transition within the forestry-product sector to high-value manufacturing. The program has incentivized more than $680 million flowing into forestry-product manufacturing, leading to the direct creation and protection of more than 3,500 forestry-sector jobs, many in regional, remote and Indigenous communities. Nearly one-quarter of all wood-product manufacturers in B.C have applied to the program, demonstrating that producers are investing in the future of forestry in the province.

BCMJF has also led to increased production of mass timber, engineered wood and bioproducts, with B.C.-based companies leading the way in innovative uses of waste wood, residuals and available fibre for high-value, high-demand products and exports. The Province has partnered with 73 forestry-product manufacturers with more to come, dedicating more than $97 million to the industry in collaboration toward a stable, sustainable forestry sector in B.C.

Quick Facts:
- The BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects in all sectors that create and protect well-paying jobs.
- The BCMJF has committed $146 million toward 132 projects to date, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
  - Every million dollars invested results in $7 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $590,000 in tax revenue to the Province and $5.3 million in provincial gross domestic product (GDP) during the capital construction phase alone.
- Funded projects will create and protect more than 4,700 jobs throughout B.C.
Learn More:

To learn about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients and updated application deadline information, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund

A backgrounder follows.

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: HP Announces 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator Cohort
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

News Highlights:
- Eight nonprofit organizations in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain selected for the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator.
- Organizations are serving disconnected adolescents and adults through digital skills training, education access, and other community-driven initiatives.
- Each nonprofit will receive $100,000 of HP technology and solutions, capacity-building cash grants, and six–months of training and programming to support scale.
- In its first three years, the Accelerator helped 27 participating organizations expand their reach by more than 9 million people.
- The Digital Equity Accelerator, a joint initiative of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation, helps power the future of work by improving access to technology, digital literacy, and AI-driven skills development.
PALO ALTO, Calif., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) and the HP Foundation announced the selection of 8 nonprofit organizations in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain for the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator (Accelerator). The Accelerator will provide the 2025 cohort with a USD $100,000 grant, HP technology (~USD $100,000 value), and six months of virtual training to strengthen capacity and drive digital inclusion.

“The future of work depends on equitable access to technology, digital skills, and opportunity,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation. “Through the Digital Equity Accelerator, HP is empowering nonprofits to bridge the digital divide, ensuring disconnected adolescents and adults have the tools and training needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By investing in these organizations, we are not just expanding access—we are powering the future of work.”

A $1 trillion-plus digital divide is limiting billions from achieving equal access to education and economic opportunities. Through the Accelerator, HP collaborates with a network of partners to help nonprofit organizations scale digital equity solutions.

“We are fortunate to work with inspiring innovators to amplify their impact through a six-month learning journey for the Accelerator,” said Hala Hanna, Executive Director, MIT Solve. “Our capacity-building workshops are designed to meet nonprofit leaders where they are – providing executive coaching, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a library of in-kind resources to help them fully benefit from the program.”

Accelerating Digital Equity in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain
The Accelerator helps nonprofits scale digital equity programs for disconnected adults and adolescents to power the future of work. Meet the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator cohort:

Greece:
- Socialinnov (Social Impact and Innovation) – Leveraging technology to drive social change, Socialinnov has equipped more than 40,000 people in underrepresented communities in Greece with digital skills training that expands access to the digital economy.
- The Smile of the Child (TSoC) – Founded in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, The Smile of the Child (TSoC) is a non-profit organization supporting more than 2.2 million adults and adolescents with tools, technology and other resources.
Indonesia:
- Solve Education Foundation – Focusing on empowering Indonesian youth with 21st century skills through its AI-powered learning platform, edbot.ai, an innovative enrichment program, helping students succeed in school and beyond.
- Markoding (Daya Kreasi Anak Bangsa Foundation) – Helps equip underprivileged youth with 21st-century skills to foster a generation of innovators. Its flagship program, Perempuan Inovasi, has empowered over 35,000 women with STEM training, mentorship, and access to job opportunities.
Nigeria:
- She-Code Africa Women Tech Initiative (She Code Africa) – Provides participants across Africa with in-demand digital and technical skills. Since 2016, its training, mentorship, scholarships, and career programs have helped more than 62,000 people receive the digital skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.
- The Slum to School Initiative (Slum2School Africa) – Addressing Africa’s education crisis, this volunteer-driven organization provides quality education, skills development, and psychosocial support to underserved children and youth, empowering them to drive sustainable development.
Spain:
- AlmaNatura Foundation – Founded in a small village in Southern Spain, AlmaNatura designs and implements projects that revitalize rural areas through employment, education, health, and sustainability, fostering opportunities for local communities to thrive.
- Fundación Esplai Ciudadanía Comprometida (Committed Citizenship Esplai Foundation) – Focuses on promoting citizen empowerment through inclusive, rights-based projects and programs. It collaborates with local, national, and international organizations to support socio-educational initiatives in information and communication technologies (ICT).
Since 2022, the Accelerator has helped expand the reach of 27 nonprofit organizations in Brazil, Canada, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and the U.S. by more than 9 million people.

HP’s Commitment to Digital Equity and Sustainable Impact
As nearly half of the world’s population remains offline, equipping youth and adults with critical skills reflects HP’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and supporting economic inclusion. The Digital Equity Accelerator is one way HP is delivering progress toward its goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030.

For more information on the Digital Equity Accelerator, please visit the website.

About HP
HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

The MIL Network –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Greenledgers Trading Center Expands into DeFi and NFTs to Diversify Global Digital Asset Portfolios

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, NY, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenledgers Trading Center, a leading global cryptocurrency trading platform, has officially announced the rollout of its latest DeFi integration and NFT trading capabilities. This strategic expansion enables users to access a wider range of decentralized financial services and participate in the rapidly growing world of digital collectibles, all from a unified and secure trading environment.

The new DeFi features allow users to directly engage in decentralized lending, staking, liquidity mining, and yield farming protocols, all seamlessly accessible within the Greenledgers Trading Center interface. These tools are designed to offer greater flexibility in capital management, letting users earn returns or collateralize their digital assets without relying on centralized intermediaries.

In parallel, the platform now hosts a curated NFT marketplace where users can discover, trade, and showcase non-fungible tokens. With support for popular blockchain standards and cross-chain compatibility under development, Greenledgers Trading Center aims to make digital art, gaming assets, and utility-based NFTs more accessible to collectors and creators alike.

“Our expansion into DeFi and NFTs represents a major leap forward in offering users full-spectrum digital asset services,” stated a Greenledgers Trading Center representative. “We’re committed to staying ahead of industry trends and providing a secure, streamlined experience for both traditional traders and Web3 explorers.”

The integration is underpinned by Greenledgers Trading Center’s advanced infrastructure, including a high-speed matching engine and robust security architecture. Measures such as multi-signature wallets, cold-hot asset separation, and continuous system audits ensure that user funds and data remain protected, even while exploring decentralized environments.

This product update also comes with a newly launched educational resource hub, offering guides and tutorials for users new to DeFi or NFTs. By demystifying these complex systems, Greenledgers Trading Center aims to lower the barrier to entry and promote more inclusive participation in blockchain-based finance and culture.

With a presence in multiple regulatory jurisdictions and a multi-language service system, Greenledgers Trading Center is uniquely positioned to bring DeFi and NFT services to a truly global audience. Localization efforts ensure that users receive tailored experiences and full compliance with relevant laws, strengthening trust and operational stability across regions.

As decentralized ecosystems continue to redefine global finance and digital ownership, Greenledgers Trading Center remains committed to innovation, security, and empowering its users to thrive in the evolving digital economy.

About Greenledgers Trading Center
Greenledgers Trading Center is a globally-oriented cryptocurrency trading platform that delivers secure, efficient, and professional services to investors across the world. The platform supports a broad range of digital assets and financial tools, including spot trading, DeFi integration, and NFT marketplaces. With a team of international experts and a focus on cutting-edge infrastructure, Greenledgers Trading Center is shaping the future of digital finance.

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Clear Street Rolls Out Another Product Enhancement, Expands Overnight Trading Access

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Integration with OTC Markets’ MOON ATS™ and OTC Overnight Bolsters 24/6 Market Access for Clients

Increases Global Access to U.S. Equity Market in Response to Growing APAC Demand

NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clear Street, (“Clear Street”, “the Company”) a cloud-native financial technology firm on a mission to modernize the brokerage ecosystem, today announced an expansion of its 24/6 trading capabilities through a collaboration with OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), an operator of regulated markets for U.S. equity securities. This new integration allows Clear Street to give its clients access to multiple overnight trading venues, enhancing price discovery and liquidity during the overnight session.

This integration expands Clear Street’s overnight connectivity to include OTC Markets’ MOON ATS (“MOON”) and OTC Overnight. MOON offers access to National Market System (NMS) securities listed on major exchanges during the overnight session. OTC Overnight complements this with access to a select group of actively traded OTC equity securities during the same hours.

Clear Street delivers a distinct advantage as a self-clearing broker-dealer, combining cloud-native infrastructure with vertically integrated, proprietary technology to reduce counterparty risk, enhance reliability and improve execution across the entire trade lifecycle. With focus on product enhancements and client-centric innovation, the Company is continuously rolling out new products and functionalities.

Clear Street offers institutions and fintechs worldwide a best-in-class, all-in-one solution with 24/6 market access and minimal downtime across multiple liquidity venues — all backed by a strong balance sheet, a stock loan program and integrated prime brokerage services. The recent acquisition of Fox River further enhances this offering by expanding execution capabilities, consolidating order flow and adding support for options and, soon, fractional trading.

Peter Eliades, Head of Electronic Execution at Clear Street commented, “At Clear Street, we are giving clients more control over when and how they trade. With the growing global demand for U.S. stocks, expanding access through MOON ATS and OTC Overnight enables clients to capture opportunities across time zones, particularly in the APAC region. With the addition of Fox River’s algorithmic execution solutions, we’re delivering a more dynamic, global trading experience with consistent support.”

Cromwell Coulson, CEO of OTC Markets Group commented, “We are excited to support Clear Street’s continued modernization of the brokerage ecosystem with expanded access to overnight trading across the spectrum of listed and OTC equities for their global client base. The rapid adoption of MOON ATS and OTC Overnight into its product suite reflects the technology-driven innovation that helps established and emerging clients succeed in fast-paced trading environments.”

About Clear Street:
Clear Street is modernizing the brokerage ecosystem with financial technology and services that empower market participants with real-time data and best-in-class products, tools and teams, to navigate capital markets around the world. Complemented by white-glove service, Clear Street’s cloud-native, proprietary product suite delivers financing, derivatives, execution and more to power client success, adding efficiency to the market and enabling clients to minimize risk, redundancy and cost. Clear Street’s goal is to create a single platform for every asset class, in every country and in any currency. For more information, visit https://clearstreet.io.

Contact:
Press@clearstreet.io

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Amundi: Ordinary and Extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, 27th May 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Amundi : Ordinary and Extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, 27th May 2025

Arrangements for making preparatory documents

available and consulting them

The Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders of Amundi will be held at 2.30 p.m. Paris time on Friday, 27th May 2025 at 54 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.

The notice of meeting, including the agenda and the draft resolutions, was published in the Bulletin des Annonces Légales et Obligatoires (BALO, French gazette for compulsory legal announcements) of 18th April 2025 and may be accessed on the company’s website (https://about.amundi.com/general-meetings). The convening notice will be published in the BALO of 12th May 2025 and will also be made available on the company’s website.

The documents and information relating to the general meeting, including those listed in article R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code, are included in the notice of meeting and in the company’s 2024 Universal Registration Document, also available on the company’s website (http://about.amundi.com).

Other documents and information relating to the general meeting will be kept available to shareholders in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions at the company’s head office at 91-93, boulevard Pasteur, 75015 Paris.

For more information, please contact the financial communication department at investor.relations@amundi.com

About Amundi

As Europe’s leading asset manager among the world’s top 10 players¹, Amundi offers its 100m clients – individuals, institutions and corporates – a full range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional and real assets. This offer is enriched with services and technological tools that cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group, Amundi is listed on the stock exchange and currently manages more than €2.2tn in assets under management².

Its six international management platforms³, its financial and extra-financial research capacity, as well as its long-standing commitment to responsible investment make it a leading player in the asset management landscape.

Amundi’s clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,700 professionals in 35 countries.

Amundi, a trusted partner that acts every day in the interest of its clients and society.

www.amundi.com

Press contacts:
Natacha Andermahr
Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
natacha.andermahr@amundi.com

Corentin Henry
Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96
corentin.henry@amundi.com

Investor contacts:
Cyril Meilland, CFA
Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
cyril.meilland@amundi.com

Thomas Lapeyre
Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com

Annabelle Wiriath

Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

¹Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2024 based on assets under management as of 31/12/2023
²Amundi data as of 31/12/2024
³Boston, Dublin, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo

Attachment
- PR Preparatory Documents GA 2025
The MIL Network –
April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Pfluger On Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street to discuss his recent visit to Midland. On the visit, Rep. Pfluger hosted EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason and Rep. Julie Fedorcheck (ND-At-Large) to tour one of Diamondback Energy’s production sites and participate in a roundtable discussion with producers, stakeholders, EPA officials, and other local leaders on the energy industry’s future. Read more about the trip and view pictures here.

Watch the full interview HERE or read highlights below.

Maria Bartiromo: Earlier this week, you hosted EPA officials at the Permian Basin, the energy capital of West Texas and your district, to address these federal oil and gas regulations that were put in place under the Biden administration. Tell me about that, and how is Trump cutting back on that red tape, and what are the challenges that energy producers are still facing? Because I know this is night and day when you look at the policies, correct?

Rep. Pfluger: Well, you’re absolutely right, and they are still facing a number of challenges… But what a difference an election makes to bring in Mr. Scott Mason, who is the Region 6 EPA Director, as well as Lee Zeldin, who showed up in the Permian Basin, and to demonstrate to them the work that has been done in the Permian Basin and throughout the other producing regions in the country, to produce efficient, affordable, reliable energy…I think most producers there really want a sweet spot, and that sweet spot, price-wise, is somewhere between $65 and $80 / bbl because they want predictability.Rig counts are already starting downward because they’re making business decisions and are not quite sure about what the future holds. But when you talk about lower gasoline prices, yes, that is very, very important, but it’s also important that we have a good, predictable supply and demand, and that’s what producers are worried about right now, which is just predictability. They’re going to hang in there, they always have. We’ve always survived. But again, a good sweet spot, $65 to $85 really helps our economy flourish.

Maria Bartiromo: They also need predictability on policy, because these are long-term contracts that these oil companies and oil suppliers, and drillers are making. And so, they need to know that permitting, for example, is going to be sustained, permitting deregulation, so that they can actually get the permits on a timely basis, and they can actually invest the way they want to. How can you, as a lawmaker, codify some of these executive orders that President Trump has put in place to ensure that they don’t go away in four years?

Rep. Pfluger: Well, President Trump has taken very aggressive action on deregulation. Administrator Lee Zeldin is leading the way with 31 deregulatory acts, and as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, we are championing an initiative that would codify many of those actions already, and you’re exactly right. They [companies] want predictability, not to have to compete against the U.S. government, not to have to compete against the overreaching nature of that far left liberal machine that we’ve seen for so long. And they want to know that the investments that they’re going to make are actually going to return profits that they can put into more drilling, more access to energy, so that we can actually have affordable, reliable energy, not just here, but also for our partners and allies.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025

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